What Is "rouge" in CFL?

In the Canadian Football League, or CFL, a "rouge" is a single point awarded to the kicking team in various situations. This unique football rule is one of the top ten differences between the CFL and the National Football league, or NFL.

A rouge is awarded to the kicking team in two different circumstances. The first circumstance is if the kicking team misses a field goal or punts the ball into the end zone and the receiving team chooses not to run it out. The kicking team receives a rouge and the receiving team gets possession on their own 35 yard line. The second circumstance where a rouge is awarded is if the kicking team misses a field goal or punts the ball out of the end zone. Again, the kicking team is awarded a rouge.